All About the Prairie Dropseed Plant

The prairie dropseed plant is an ornamental grass you can add to your garden. Also known as Sporobolus heterolepis, the dropseed can make a great addition to a wildlife or prairie garden. Below is more information about this dropseed grass plant.

Prairie Dropseed Plant Facts

The prairie dropseed is native to the central part of North America. In the wild, it can be seen growing in Texas and Saskatchewan. It can grow in USDA zones 3–9, making it a diverse plant tolerable in several growing climates.

The Missouri Botanical Garden declared Sporobolus heterolepis a Plant of Merit in 2005. The Wisconsin Nursery and Landscape Association named the plant the Herbaceous Perennial of 2018, as it grows in the wild in parts of the state.

Sporobolus heterolepis Information

The prairie grass plant can grow two to three feet wide and up to three feet high. It grows out of a fibrous root mass, spilling out on all sides like a water fountain with its thin, green blades of grass.

In the summertime, prairie grass blooms in shades of brown and pink. The fragrant flowers add color to the green, grassy plant.

Once the flowers mature and fall off, hard, round seeds grow in their place. As these seeds mature, they drop to the ground—hence the name “dropseed.” The seeds can attract birds and other wildlife to the plant.

Native Americans used the seed to make flour for various recipes and dishes.

Grow the Prairie Dropseed Plant

Those who grow prairie dropseed in their garden need to be patient. It can take up to five years for the plant to mature. The dropseed prefers growing in full sun in well-draining soil.

The plant does not need much care or water when it reaches full growth. Simply cut down the older grass in late winter or early spring so new blades have plenty of room to grow.

The green blades turn orange-gold in the fall and can stay this way throughout winter, creating visual interest in the garden.

Prairie dropseed looks great in meadows, mixed borders, along roads, and in rainscaping. It can be grown as a tall ground cover with other plants for a diverse look. The dropseed looks excellent when grown with alliums, goldenrods, and butterfly weed.

You can also grow other plants found in the wild alongside prairie dropseed. Native plants to pair with dropseed include phlox, grama grasses, and leadplant.

Prairie dropseed is an excellent choice for those who want something different from traditional grass in their yard.